Voter material arrived at Entebbe International Airport early this week
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Electoral Commission appeals for peace as voter material is dispatched amid heightened preparations for Uganda’s 2026 general elections, with officials assuring the public that key logistical milestones are being met well ahead of polling day.
In a year-end statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said it has begun receiving and distributing consignments of sensitive voter materials, including ballot papers and Declaration of Results forms, printed by contracted security printers abroad. The development marks a critical phase in the country’s electoral roadmap as Uganda heads into elections slated for early 2026.
According to the Commission, ballot papers for the presidential election, directly elected Members of Parliament and district woman representatives have already been received.
The delivery, verification and handling of the materials were conducted under strict supervision and were witnessed by representatives of presidential candidates, political parties, the media and accredited election observers, in line with electoral transparency requirements.
The Commission further revealed that it has completed the packing of generic polling materials and has commenced work on non-generic items. Generic materials include pens, indelible ink markers, tamper-proof envelopes, report books, oath forms and other essential supplies required at polling stations nationwide.
In addition, transparent ballot boxes, cordoning tapes, basins and solar-powered lamps have already been dispatched to all districts and cities. Packing of ballot papers and copies of the National Voters Register for each polling station is ongoing, ahead of the presidential and parliamentary polling days.
“The Commission has commenced packing of the National Voters Register and ballot papers for each respective polling station before dispatch for polling day,” the statement said.
Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama noted that early and systematic distribution of election materials is intended to minimise last-minute logistical challenges that have marred previous elections, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
He reiterated that the use of biometric voter verification kits will be mandatory during polling to safeguard the integrity of the vote and ensure that only duly registered voters participate in the exercise.
As campaigning intensifies across the country, the Commission appealed to political actors and their supporters to maintain peace and strictly observe electoral laws and guidelines. It also reassured Ugandans that preparations for the 2026 general elections remain on course, urging voters to participate responsibly in the democratic process.
